Bill Andrews, the well-known Somerset seam bowler, played for Glamorgan whilst stationed with the RAF at St. Athan during 1944.
He had an outstanding record with Somerset either side of the Second World War, during which the tall seamer, with a fine, high action claimed a total of 750 wickets at 23 apiece for the West Country side. He also had a brief spell with Forfarshire in Scottish county cricket in 1933 and 1934, before securing a new contract with Somerset.
Bill was a real character and well known for his greeting of “Shake the hand that bowled Bradman”. He had indeed bowled the Australian maestro at Taunton in 1938 but it was, of course, a joke since Bradman had already scored 202.
During the SEcond World War, Bill played for a number of Services sides including the Royal Air Force and the United Services as well as for Blackpool Services in the Ribblesdale League, besides appearing for Keighley and Bingley in the Bradford League, plus various scratch elevens including an Empire XI, Tom Goddard’s XI, George Duckworth’s XI, a Combined Counties XI and the West of England. Whilst stationed in Blackpool in 1943 he also appeared for a North Wales XI against an Empire XI at the Colwyn Bay Festival.
After moving to South Wales in 1944 he played regularly that summer for Glamorgan in their fund-raising games against the British Empire XI, Western Command, the RAF, Swansea Central League, the Army and the National Fire Service.
After retiring from county cricket, Andrews initially played for Stourbridge in the Birmingham League before appearing for Ebbw Vale on the South Wales and Monmouthshire Leagues in 1953 and 1954. He then returned to Somerset where he was 1st XI coach between 1955 and 1957, and latterly from 1964 until 1969, before coaching at Clifton College, Downside School and Millfield School. Bill was also a good centre-half at football, playing for various teams including Glastonbury and Taunton Town, besides having a trial with Bristol City.
ANDREWS, William Harry Russell.
Born – Swindon, 14 April 1908.
Died – Worlebury, Somerset, 9 January 1989.
Batting and Fielding Record:
| M | I | NO | RUNS | AV | 100 | 50 | CT | ST | |
| Wartime | 6 | 6 | 2 | 52 | 13.00 | – | – | 3 | – |
Bowling Record:
| Balls | M | R | W | AV | 5wI | 10wM | |
| Wartime | ? | ? | ? | 18 | – | – | – |